*
banner

The Ins and Outs of Whit Friday

A BBC film crew will be out and about in Saddleworth on Whit Friday filming Fairey's battle for honours.

Garry Cutt
 

Camera crews from the BBC North West magazine programme, 'Inside Out' will be out and about around the Saddleworth and Oldham District on Whit Friday to bring viewers a flavour of the 'Greatest Free Show on Earth' .

Musical fabric

The show's producer, Dominic Callaghan explained to 4BR why the programme had decided to feature the event that dates back to the late 1800s:

"Whit Friday is part of the historical culture and musical fabric of Saddleworth and it's surrounding area. Whilst the march contests have been featured on television before, we wanted to take a more in depth look into how one of the top Championship Section bands in the North West prepares for the contests and film them as they go round."

That championship section band will be the reigning North West Champion, Fairey, who will be led by their Professional Conductor, Garry Cutt (above).

The Marple maestro, who has enjoyed countless successes on the famous circuit, told 4BR how much he and the band are looking forward to what he hopes will be a successful evening:

"Fairey's always look forward to Whit Friday and we are delighted the BBC has asked if they could come around Saddleworth with us and see what it takes to win on the night. Hopefully they will be a lucky omen."

Professionalism

The BBC crew has already been to Fairey's bandroom in Heaton Chapel to undertake filming, with more to come before the contest night — with the band's professionalism and musicality really impressing them

"We were absolutely blown away at what we heard from Garry and the band when we went to visit them a few weeks ago," Dominic added.

"Everyone connected to the programme is anticipating a fabulous evening as Fairey battles for supremacy in Saddleworth against what we anticipate to be pretty stern opposition.

We would like to place on record our thanks to Garry and the band, not just for the warm welcome but for all of their assistance in helping us with this feature."

Filming at venues

In addition to being on Fairey's coach, cameras will be dotted around the venues in Saddleworth where they will aim to capture the unfolding action and drama, interview those watching and listening and find out what attracts them to come from all over the world to Saddleworth.

The film crew from BBC North West's 'Inside Out' programme will be filming Fairey's challenge on Whit Friday with the footage shown later in the year4BR

4BR understands that the Whit Friday feature will not be broadcast until 'Inside Out' returns to the screens in September, and that it should be available to watch on various digital platforms around the UK in addition to the North West.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


dobcross

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Third Section

September 14 • Dobcross Silver strikes royal gold as they claim the Third Section honours.


arbroath

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Fourth Section

September 14 • The Fourth Section National title heads to Scotland with Arbroath & Carnoustie.


unite

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — First Section

September 13 • Unite the Union claims 'Checkmate' over their rivals to claim the First Section National title.


south Yorkshire Police

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Second Section

September 13 • South Yorkshire Police claim the first title of the Cheltenham weekend.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Longridge Band

September 13 • Longridge Band invite applications for a SOPRANO CORNET player. We are a friendly, committed band, who enjoy a good balance of concerts and contests throughout the year.


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd